League of Ireland: All tonight's action as it happens
The Union of European Clubs has signed up 125 clubs in 25 European leagues, including Ireland, with a proposal to allocate more UEFA funding to support clubs who bring through players from their academies. Several Irish sides could benefit:
Irish clubs would gain six-figure fees from UEC plan on player development
First Division side UCD would be in line for a boon of over €400,000 in solidarity payments from UEFA Champions League prize money if a proposal by lobby group Union of European Clubs is taken on board by UEFA.
www.independent.ie
4 minutes ago
Some pre-match watching for you all – Aidan Fitzmaurice and Sean O'Connor preview tonight's round of League of Ireland action:
7 minutes ago
Good evening and welcome to another Independent.ie live blog covering Matchday 16 of the League of Ireland Premier Division. My name is Ultán Corcoran, and I will be keeping you up to speed with all the action it unfolds around the grounds.
We have five games kicking off at 7.45pm tonight as Bohemians host reigning champions Shelbourne with televised coverage on Virgin Media Two. We will also have updates from Drogheda United vs Derry City, Galway United vs Sligo Rovers, St.Patrick's Athletic vs Cork City and Waterford vs Shamrock Rovers
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RTÉ News
16 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Conference League third qualifying round: All you need to know
Thursday, 14 August Shamrock Rovers (0) v Ballkani (1), Tallaght Stadium, 8pm Besiktas (4) St Patrick's Athletic (1), Tupras Stadyumu, 7pm ONLINE Shamrock Rovers v Ballkani is available to stream on LOITV. There'll be a live blog on RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app. WEATHER The sun was splitting the stones on Wednesday, but it'll be more overcast in Dublin ahead of Shamrock Rovers' tussle with Kosovan side Ballkani. Temperatures will still hover around the 20-degree mark however on a balmy evening. In Istanbul, St Pat's can expect warm conditions, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s at kick-off. Hoops have work to do It's a big night in Tallaght as Shamrock Rovers aim to keep their European ambitions alive. The SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division leaders were not at their best in last week's first leg, falling to a 1-0 loss thanks to Sunday Adetunji's second-half effort, but they're far from out of this. A boisterous home crowd will look to get their team over the line and set up a play-off against either Larne or Portuguese side Santa Clara, who lead 3-0 after the first leg at the Ballymena Showgrounds. Boss Stephen Bradley knows what Adetunji is capable of. The 27-year-old Nigerian played - and scored - against Rovers in the colours of North Macedonia's Shkupi when the clubs met in the Europa League qualifiers back in 2022. Richie Towell was involved in that tie, which the Hoops won 5-2 on aggregate. He expects his old side to progress tonight but warned: "The thing is they have the boy Sunday Adetunji up front. We played against him when he played for Shkupi, a really good player. "He's very similar to Tammy Abraham (tormentor of St Pat's last Thursday). He's that big, tall, gangly, physical presence, he can run in behind, he has a good touch, so he'll be a real target man for Ballkani." Last year Larne beat Ballkani on penalties in the Conference League third qualifying round. Shamrock Rovers would later beat Larne 4-1 in Belfast after both clubs reached the league phase. The Hoops will need to improve on their first-leg showing, but they certainly have the tools to get the job done here. Team news: Graham Burke is back from injury in a big boost for the hosts, but the omission of Jack Byrne from the squad has raised eyebrows. Byrne is not injured, with speculation mounting there's a rift between the player and management. Aaron McEneff is also unavailable. Player view - Ed McGinty (Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper): "They move the ball well, they move it at speed and they've got individual threats going forward. It's just about keeping the heads down. We don't really get too far ahead of ourselves. It's about working hard and trusting what we do on the ball." Saints playing for pride in Turkey St Pat's were blown away by a quality, ruthless first-half showing from Besiktas last week. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men came to Dublin under pressure after being hammered by Shakhtar Donetsk 6-2 on aggregate in the Europa League second-round qualifiers. However their big names turned on the style to crush any hopes of an upset, Tammy Abraham's hat-trick helping them to a 4-0 lead at the break. The big plus for Stephen Kenny was his team's performance on the turnaround. Simon Power scored a super individual effort before Mason Melia spurned a golden opportunity to nick a second. They'll hope to avoid a morale-damaging hammering at Tupras Stadyumu before focusing fully on domestic duties. "It's one of those where you have to gee the players up to go and enjoy the experience," said ex-Dundalk striker David McMillan on this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast. "I've played in Ukraine, I've played in Belarus, the atmosphere can be - in Turkey in particular - absolutely incredible. Those games are some of the best experiences players will have. "It's disappointing for Pat's that they go there really for damage limitation... but as a player you just have to enjoy the experience. As a League of Ireland player, you don't get to play that type of opposition all that often." Besiktas had no league game at the weekend so will be ominously fresh. Meanwhile Kenny will have one eye on Sunday evening's massive FAI Cup last-16 clash against Shelbourne in Inchicore. He has a number of injury concerns and will have to utilise his squad. Team news: The Saints are without Zack Elbouzedi (shoulder), Aidan Keena (thigh), Sean Hoare (calf), Anto Breslin (knee), and Romal Palmer (hamstring). Manager view - Stephen Kenny (St Pat's): "(Besiktas) is an institution in Turkey. It's an incredible stadium, really incredible, and it's a very passionate home support. The players worked hard to get into Europe. Now we're here we want to put in a good performance. Obviously there will be some changes, all of the players can't play all of the games. Sunday is important as well so we've got to look at all that."
The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
Boost for Shelbourne as Uefa approve Tolka Park for Conference League play-off
SHELBOURNE HAVE RECEIVED a huge boost ahead of their Uefa Conference League play-off after it was confirmed that the home leg will be played at Tolka Park. It's understood that upgrades made to the stadium as well as the operational aspects of how the League of Ireland champions have managed their European games so far have been enough to convince Uefa delegates to grant a licence for the Drumcondra venue. Advertisement It had been anticipated that Shels would have to move the home leg of their Europa League third round qualifier with Rijeka last night to Tallaght Stadium in order to meet ground regulations and requirements from the governing body. However, Tolka also won the seal of approval for that tie and despite losing the game they did enough with how the event was run to keep such a crucial fixture on their own patch. St Patrick's Athletic, for example, had to move last week's Conference League home tie with Besiktas to the home of Shamrock Rovers and it has traditionally been the case for League of Ireland teams – other than the Hoops – who make it beyond the second round of Europe to move their home fixture. Shels are now due to play at Tolka next Thursday (21 August) against the winner of Linfield and Vikingur with the away leg on 28 August. The Irish League side trail 2-1 from the first leg and should David Healy's side produce a comeback it will be a repeat of the All-Ireland derby from the first round of this year's Champions League qualifiers earlier this summer.
The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
Lure of the Land Down Under: Record 39 Irish players set for new AFLW season
WHILE 'THREAT' IS a word that has been used more and more around the Irish exodus to the Australian Football League Women's [AFLW], another is never too far away. 'Opportunity.' Why would a top Gaelic football player not want to go to Australia and try their hand at professional sport? Many of their non-sporting peers are doing so already, favouring the lifestyle, weather, improved employment and housing. Add in full-time football, profile, and pay for play . . . A record 39 Irish players are set for the new AFLW season, which starts tomorrow. The 2023-27 AFLW collective bargaining agreement (CBA) sees minimum salaries at $67,337 [€37,666], which will rise to $72,373 [€40,483] by 2027. Irish rookies also receive a $16,500 [€9,230] relocation allowance in their first year, while flights are covered. The highest earners are in tier one, their salary of $109,760 [€61,396] increasing to $117,968 [€65,987] by '27. Some of the Irish contingent would fall in that category, also afforded $6,000 [€3,356] as a relocation fee per annum. It's a far cry from being left out of pocket playing inter-county football, along with balancing full-time employment and other challenges for young people in Ireland. The Irish AFLW Class of 2025 hail from 19 counties, and are spread across 13 of the 18 Australian clubs. Mayo is the county with the most players, seven, while Carlton and Fremantle are the Aussie outfits most populated by the Irish, with five apiece. North Melbourne celebrate their 2024 win. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo North Melbourne, the defending Premiership champions, have four Irish players on their books: Vikki Wall, Erika O'Shea, Blaithin Bogue and Amy Gavin Mangan. Gavin Mangan is one of nine new Irish faces to have signed ahead of this, the AFLW's 10th season. Australia-based Cavan native Laura Corrigan Duryea was the only Irishwoman involved in the inaugural season of 2017, before Mayo legend Cora Staunton became the league's first-ever international signing the following season. Huge numbers have followed in her footsteps, endless top talents crossing codes from ladies football. Four players who featured in the All-Ireland senior final 10 days ago, Dublin duo Sinéad Goldrick and Éilish O'Dowd, and Meath's Wall and Aoibhín Cleary are all in situ Down Under. Jennifer Dunne, Grace Kos and Orlagh Lally previously played for those counties but have focused solely on AFLW of late. The Australian season has extended — although it's paused at 12 rounds for now — making it increasingly difficult for Irish players to split their careers and play both sports, as the majority previously had. On an individual level, the lure is undeniable, but player drain is an ever-growing issue for the LGFA and the game on these shores. That said, the amount of Irish players contracted is a good endorsement of LGFA standards. The skills are transferrable, the athleticism appealing as international recruits get the nod ahead of natives. The AFLW is still in its infancy, playing catch up as its underage structures develop. While New Zealand is the other nationality strongly represented — American, Canadian and South Sudanese players have also featured through the years — Ireland comfortably has the largest overseas contingent, making up over 5% of players on AFLW lists. Talk will heighten as the new season gets underway and the top ladies football talent are marked absent from club championships across the country. But their eyes are firmly fixed on the oval ball, and flying the flag Down Under. Here, The 42 looks at all 39 Irish players set for the 2025 AFLW season: ********** Adelaide Crows Amy Boyle-Carr (Donegal) 24 | Glenties Donegal flier and one-cap Irish soccer international, rewarded with contract extension after debut season. Kayleigh Cronin (Kerry) 28 | Dr Croke's Instrumental in Kerry's 2024 All-Ireland win, powerful defender now set for AFLW bow. Kayleigh Cronin. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO Grace Kelly (Mayo) 31 | Moy Davitts Experienced player, gearing up for seventh AFLW campaign at a new club after earlier stints at West Coast Eagles and St Kilda. Niamh Kelly (Mayo) 29 | Moy Davitts Other Kelly sister, also started at West Coast. 2023 All-Australian speedster now leading the charge for Adelaide. Brisbane Lions Neasa Dooley (Kildare) 25 | Castledermot New to the game, joins 2024 runners up for first season. Jennifer Dunne (Dublin) 25 | Cuala All-Ireland champion and AFLW winner in 2023, Dublin powerhouse went all in with oval ball ahead of third campaign. Orla O'Dwyer (Tipperary) Advertisement 27 | Boherlahan Most capped Irish AFLW player, Tipp triple-threat has starred since debut in 2020. Two-time Premiership winner and first Irish female All-Australian. Orla O'Dwyer. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Carlton Blues Maria Cannon (Mayo) 22 | Burrishoole One of three new Irish faces at Carlton, 22-year-old set for first season. Dayna Finn (Mayo) 24 | Kiltimagh Ireland basketball international, has shown athletic prowess since arriving in 2023. Erone Fitzpatrick (Laois) 24 | Park-Ratheniska Back from an ACL injury after a brilliant debut campaign two years ago. Síofra O'Connell (Clare) 24 | Doora-Barefield Tall defender, earned contract after impressing scouts at recruitment session in Ireland. Aisling Reidy (Clare) 24 | Doora-Barefield Same goes for O'Connell's clubmate and UL colleague, versatile rookie out to make a splash. Collingwood Muireann Atkinson (Monaghan) 28 | O'Neill Shamrocks Powerful, tight marker, looking to drive on in second season. Kellyann Hogan (Waterford) 23 | Ballymacarbry Déise star forward was a big loss after departing for debut campaign, named to debut tomorrow. Sarah Rowe. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Sarah Rowe (Mayo) 30 | Kilmoremoy Like O'Dwyer, multi-sport star that needs little introduction. Shoulder injury will keep her out of early rounds of eighth season with Collingwood, won A-League soccer title in May. Fremantle Joanne Cregg (Roscommon) 32 | Michael Glavey's Quickly established herself after debut in 2023, now set for third campaign with Freo. Orlagh Lally (Meath) 24 | Clann na nGael 2021 and 2022 All-Ireland winner, utility player has focused on AFLW since. Aisling McCarthy (Tipperary) 29 | Cahir Another of the top Irish players in the league, 2024 All-Australian. Experience key ahead of eighth season, third with Freo after previous stints at West Coast Eagles and Western Bulldogs. Amy Mulholland (Armagh) 32 | Peadar Ó Doirnín Forkhill Fast and dynamic, hoping her fourth campaign will be as consistent as before. Aine Tighe (Leitrim) 33 | Kiltubrid Towering goal-kicker, has really made her impact felt since her return from a third ACL injury. Geelong Rachel Kearns (Mayo) 28 | MacHale Rovers Defensive anchor since her debut in 2022, strong background in Gaelic football, soccer and boxing. Kate Kenny (Offaly) 23 | St Rynagh's Offaly dual star, one to watch in her second AFLW season. Aishling Moloney. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Aishling Moloney (Tipperary) 27 | Cahir 2024 All-Australian turned down interest from other clubs to commit future to Geelong. Joint-top goal-kicker last season, towering Tipp star a joy to watch in any code. Gold Coast Clara Fitzpatrick (Down) 34 | Bryansford Has played 30 AFLW games since her bow in 2020, a versatile player for St Kilda and now, Gold Coast Suns. Niamh McLaughlin (Donegal) 31 | Moville The 2022 LGFA Player of the Year is the first Irishperson to captain an AFLW / AFL side, co-skippering the Queensland outfit in her third campaign. GWS Giants Grace Kos (Dublin) 23 | Kilmacud Crokes New to the game, joins Greater Western Sydney Giants for first season. Wasn't involved in Dublin's All-Ireland winning run. Eilish O'Dowd (Dublin / Leitrim) 27 | Na Fianna / Ballinamore Seán O'Heslin's Two seasons in Dublin midfield, two All-Irelands. Leitrim native focused solely on AFLW for her debut campaign last year. Hawthorn Aileen Gilroy (Mayo) 32 | Killala 2024 All-Australian, teak-tough defender, has been instrumental for Hawthorn since transferring from North Melbourne. Aine McDonagh (Galway) 26 | Maigh Cuilinn Creative spark who had a superb 2024 season. Also a talented basketball player. Melbourne Sinéad Goldrick. Leah Scholes / INPHO Leah Scholes / INPHO / INPHO Sinead Goldrick (Dublin) 35 | Foxrock-Cabinteely Fresh off fifth All-Ireland win, hard as nails, will be instrumental for Dees in seventh season. Blaithin Mackin (Armagh) 26 | Shane O'Neills Premiership champion alongside Goldrick in debut season of 2022, available for selection after hamstring injury. Sister Aimee is inactive. North Melbourne Blaithin Bogue (Fermanagh) 25 | Tempo Maguires Didn't feature in her first season as North were crowned 2024 champions. Has impressed through pre-season, kicked three goals in recent practice match. Amy Gavin Mangan (Offaly) 26 | Naomh Ciarán Offaly forward set for first campaign with holders. Erika O'Shea (Cork) 23 | Macroom AFLW's youngest ever Irish recruit, has established herself as a pivotal player in North's backline since debuting in 2022. Vikki Wall (Meath) 27 | Dunboyne Meath maestro's double helped Kangaroos to glory last year. Back in fold after All-Ireland defeat, ruled out for round one due to absence. Vikki Wall and Aoibhín Cleary after Meath's All-Ireland final defeat. Leah Scholes / INPHO Leah Scholes / INPHO / INPHO Richmond Aoibhín Cleary (Meath) 26 | Donaghmore Ashbourne Captained the Royals to third All-Ireland final in three years, now set for debut AFLW season. Sydney Swans Tanya Kennedy (Donegal) 32 | Robert Emmets Moved to Australia in 2012, recruited in 2023 as an injury replacement and quickly nailed down a permanent position. Paris McCarthy (Kerry) 21 | Castleisland Desmonds Featured for Kerry in 2022 All-Ireland final loss, then took up basketball scholarship Stateside at Tennessee University, began chasing AFLW dream in 2023. Julie O'Sullivan (Kerry) 23 | Inbhear Sceine Gaels Another Kerry native who joined with McCarthy in 2023 and played in '22 All-Ireland defeat. Consistent. **********
